How To Fix BOM016 - You can only update one IDoc at a time

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BOM - BOMs (2)

• Message number: 016

• Message text: You can only update one IDoc at a time

What causes this issue?

The ALE distribution inbox can only process one IDoc at a time. Mass
processing BOM IDocs is not allowed. This applies for material BOM
(BOMMAT message type), document structure (BOMDOC), order BOM (BOMORD),
plant assignment (PALMAT) and material variant (STTMAT) distribution.

System Response

IDoc inbound processing is cancelled. The IDoc remains in the inbox
with status 51 (error during posting).

How to fix this error?

Ensure that the ALE inbox has finished processing one IDoc before the
next one begins.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BOM016 - You can only update one IDoc at a time ?

  The SAP error message BOM016, which states "You can only update one IDoc at a time," typically occurs when there is an attempt to process multiple IDocs simultaneously in a context where only one IDoc can be processed at a time. This can happen in various scenarios, such as during the processing of inbound IDocs or when using certain transaction codes or function modules that are not designed to handle multiple IDocs concurrently.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Processing: The system is trying to process multiple IDocs at the same time, which is not allowed in the current context.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings that restrict the processing of IDocs to one at a time.
  Custom Code: If there is custom ABAP code involved in processing IDocs, it may not be handling multiple IDocs correctly.
  Transaction Limitations: Certain transactions or function modules may inherently support only single IDoc processing.
  
  Solution:
  
  Single IDoc Processing: Ensure that the process or transaction you are using is designed to handle only one IDoc at a time. If you need to process multiple IDocs, consider implementing a loop that processes each IDoc individually.
  Check Custom Code: If there is custom code involved, review it to ensure that it is not attempting to process multiple IDocs simultaneously. Modify the code to handle one IDoc at a time.
  Batch Processing: If you need to process multiple IDocs, consider using batch processing techniques where you can queue the IDocs and process them sequentially.
  Review Configuration: Check the configuration settings related to IDoc processing in your SAP system. Ensure that there are no restrictions that would prevent multiple IDocs from being processed.
  Error Handling: Implement proper error handling in your IDoc processing logic to catch and manage errors gracefully.
  
  Related Information:
  
  IDoc Processing: Understand the IDoc processing framework in SAP, including inbound and outbound processing, and how IDocs are managed in the system.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as WE02 (Display IDoc), WE19 (Test IDoc), and others that may help in troubleshooting IDoc issues.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to BOM016 or IDoc processing that may provide additional insights or patches.
  Performance Considerations: If processing a large number of IDocs, consider performance implications and how to optimize the processing logic.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BOM016 error and ensure that your IDoc processing is functioning as intended.